When visiting Banks Road Elementary, there is a good chance you will see students and teachers using technology to enhance learning. We are fortunate to have the technology resources that we do at Banks Road. We are even more fortunate to have teachers who know how to properly integrate technology into instruction. Appropriate integration is critical if technology is going to truly enhance instruction. Technology should be used to access, analyze, and synthesize information, solve problems, and communicate understanding. Proper technology integration positively impacts achievement and hones skills that students will use for the rest of their lives.
At the September 30 WCPSS Principals’ Meeting three of our teachers demonstrated how they use ipods, blogs, and other technology to support classroom instruction in science, social studies, math, and writing. Angela Sonntag, Jennifer Harrower, and Patrick Tart shared sample lessons and student work products. They also led hands-on learning activities for elementary principals. Our teachers then spoke about how technology affects student engagement and student achievement in their classrooms. The Banks Road Teachers facilitated an impressive learning experience and received very positive feedback. We are extremely proud that our students and teachers are leading the district in blazing a trail to 21st Century success.